North-south divide in buoyant market
The lower intake of cattle over the past few weeks has been a factor in the recovery in prices.
So too have the slight improvement in demand for beef on Continental markets, and the tightening in the supply of cattle in Britain and on the continent over the past two weeks.
A return to the spread in prices between the north and south of the country is evident again, with producers from the midlands to the north west benefiting from prices at least 6 cents/kg (2p/lb) ahead of the south. The local price level is of course determined by the supply and demand for cattle in each area.
Factories in the south quoted 294 cents/kg (105p/lb) for R grade stock this week, and were actually paying up to 3 cents/kg (1p/lb) more. In the east, Slaney were offering 297 cents/kg (106p/lb), and top up deals of 3 cents/kg were reported.
In the midlands, the change over of operations at Kilbeggan from Dunbia to Kepak came into effect this week. As a result, the new Kepak at Kilbeggan did not slaughter on Monday. Dunbia will continue to operate the factory at Slane where farmers were quoted 300 cents/kg (107p/lb).
Quoted prices for O grade ranged from 286 to 289 cents/kg (102p or 103p/lb), and some of these were making up to 292 cents/kg (104p/lb).
The intake of cattle at the factories has continued up to 6,000 head per week less than this time last year, having slipped back considerably during March.
The trade for cows is continuing to show gains. O grade cows are being quoted at up to 252 cents/kg (90p/lb) and up to 263 cents/kg (94p/lb) has been paid in recent weeks. Prices close to 280 cents/kg (100p/lb) are being negotiated for quality R grade cows at the best paying factories.
